Why Anchoring Battery Racks to Floor & Wall is Not Recommended

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Anchoring battery racks to both the floor and wall is discouraged due to the potential for relative movement during earthquakes, which can lead to structural failure of the rack. The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) suggests this practice to prevent damage during seismic events. If the wall and floor shift independently, a dual anchoring could result in tearing apart the rack. Conversely, a robust rack could impede wall movement, potentially damaging the building itself. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for ensuring safety in earthquake-prone areas.
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I am working on putting a new battery rack into a substation. I was re-reading the NESC and came across section 143. This section suggests it is not recommended to anchor my rack to both the floor and the wall. Can anyone explain why this is not recommended?
 
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If you are in an earthquake zone, the wall and floor could move relative to each other in minor quakes.
This could tear your rack apart if it was connected to both of them.
 
vk6kro said:
If you are in an earthquake zone, the wall and floor could move relative to each other in minor quakes.
This could tear your rack apart if it was connected to both of them.

Brilliant. I learn something new every dang day here on the PF.
 
That makes sense. I hadn't thought about that, but I agree now that I have. Now, don't be angry for my asking it this way, but, is that the NESC reason for not attaching it to both? I have not seen that specified anywhere.
 
It could work the other way, too.

If the rack was very strong, it could stop part of the wall moving and cause damage to the building.
 

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